Ming Da MC66-AE (tube rolling question)

[SLCanhead]

Note: I posted this question in the "tweaks" section, but haven't received many reads/no responses, so I thought I would give this forum a shot.

I am currently running a Ming Da MC66-AE amp. I have already swapped the input tube for a EH gold pin 12ax7, which made a notable improvement. Now, I am considering swapping the output tubes (6n6 chinese manufacturer, not sure who), for a set of 60s RCA 6V6GT (as recommended to me). It's not a ridiculous amount of money, but I have heard that the output tubes don't make much of a sonic difference.

Can anyone confirm (or otherwise) what kind of diff I may hear by swapping output tubes, based on their experience (even if you use a different amp)? There seems to be a lot of experience w/tube rolling among the head-fi community, so I would appreciate your knowledge/feedback.

Thank you!

SL

 

[pho_boi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLCanhead Note: I posted this question in the "tweaks" section, but haven't received many reads/no responses, so I thought I would give this forum a shot. I am currently running a Ming Da MC66-AE amp. I have already swapped the input tube for a EH gold pin 12ax7, which made a notable improvement. Now, I am considering swapping the output tubes (6n6 chinese manufacturer, not sure who), for a set of 60s RCA 6V6GT (as recommended to me). It's not a ridiculous amount of money, but I have heard that the output tubes don't make much of a sonic difference. Can anyone confirm (or otherwise) what kind of diff I may hear by swapping output tubes, based on their experience (even if you use a different amp)? There seems to be a lot of experience w/tube rolling among the head-fi community, so I would appreciate your knowledge/feedback. Thank you! SL

Hi SL,

I don't think you'll be able to use the 6V6GT as a direct replacement for the 6N6 tubes in the Ming Da.

Try the 6N6P or 6H6P, both are russian tubes are should work as a direct replacement for the MC66-AE.

I can tell you from experience that swapping pre/driver tubes will make more of a difference than the power tubes. But tube rolling the power tubes do make a sonic difference, I swapped out Shugaung EL34s for EH 6CA7s in my speaker amp and the difference was incredible!

I can't say for sure that it improved the sound quality or performance, but it was different and I liked it.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLCanhead Note: I posted this question in the "tweaks" section, but haven't received many reads/no responses, so I thought I would give this forum a shot. Can anyone confirm (or otherwise) what kind of diff I may hear by swapping output tubes, based on their experience (even if you use a different amp)? There seems to be a lot of experience w/tube rolling among the head-fi community, so I would appreciate your knowledge/feedback. Thank you! SL

The 6v6 is a power pentode and the 6n6 a triode. They are completely incompatible and dont even use the same type of tube base. The 6v6 has an octal base and the 6n6 appears to be a 9 pin type. You couldnt use the 6v6 if you tried.

 

[silmaauki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLCanhead I am considering swapping the output tubes (6n6 chinese manufacturer, not sure who), for a set of 60s RCA 6V6GT (as recommended to me).

At least on my Mingda the power tubes are Russian - not Chinese. Please note that the letter 'N' in Russian alphabet is equivalent to our 'H'. Thus you should be looking for tube 6H6. At least this is how I have it understood. I might be wrong here.

Confusing? Yes!

 

[SLCanhead]

Thank you (all) for the feedback! I appreciate the info/clarification. It sounds like the 6H6 could be a compatible replacement (along w/a diff manufacturer of the 6N6). I will adjust my search!

 

[silmaauki]

SLCanhead,
Please, once you find new tubes, let us know what you found and from where?

And of course I'd like to know your impressions as well.

 

[pho_boi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silmaauki SLCanhead, Please, once you find new tubes, let us know what you found and from where? And of course I'd like to know your impressions as well.

Theres a place in Australia that has them.

http://coemaudio.com.au/products.php?product_id=84

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Look for the Russian 6H6P-I version, they are significantly better built than the 6H6P and of course the Chinese 6N6.